Anytime you get to wear the Maple Leaf in sports, it's special.
In Isaac Olson's case, as a member of Canada's men's rugby 15s squad, it's an honour that comes around, then leaves for a spell. Then comes back.
Olson, 25, from Lavington, is one of 33 players named to the Canadian 15s team that will host Belgium and Spain in a pair of test matches this month in Edmonton.
"It's a big honour to represent your country, you take it as you come," said Olson, home in the North Okanagan for a few days before heading to Edmonton to meet up with the national squad to prepare for the test games.
"You can be out of the squad for a while, which was the case for me, but I got back in and I'm hoping to cement myself with the team. I'm going to take this opportunity and relish it."
Olson, 6-foot-3, 225-pounds, last played as a back for Canada in 2023, and earned his first cap with the national team in 2021.
Canada will play Belgium on July 12 at 4 p.m. PT and Spain on July 18 at 6 p.m. PT, both at Edmonton’s Clarke Stadium. Both matches will be available to watch on TSN2 and TSN+.
Spain is ranked No. 16 in the world (South Africa is No. 1), Belgium weighs in at No. 22, and Canada is ranked No. 24. The goal, said Olson, is to get Canada back to respectability and into the field for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
"I think it's looking pretty promising with the personnel and the goals we have to get to the World Cup," he said. "The new coaches have a path laid out for us. It's not the easiest walk in the road, but with the personnel and confidence we have, we're feeling pretty good."
A total of 42 players were vying for a spot on the Canadian squad.
"We had a very competitive training camp, which I was pleased to see,” said rookie Canadian head coach Stephen Meehan to Rugby Canada. “The coaching staff has been impressed by the players’ work ethic, and ability to learn and adapt in high pressure moments. They have continually pushed each other to be better and are eager to continue doing so throughout our time in Edmonton together.”
Joining Olson on the national team are seven of his teammates with the New England Free Jacks from the professional Major Rugby League. The Free Jacks, based in Quincy, 30 minutes outside of Boston, won their third consecutive MRL title at the end of June, downing the Houston SaberCats 28-22 in the championship.
Olson has been with the Free Jacks since 2022 but had to watch his teammates finish off the league three-peat from the sidelines.
"I got injured late in the year, I did in my shoulder, but it's coming around now," he said. "The shoulder is doing a lot better. I'm pretty confident in it. I got some rest, recovery, and treatment, and I'm ready to roll for summer."
New England and the Chicago Hounds tied for first in the MRL's Eastern Conference with 11-5-0 records, but the Free Jacks were awarded first place with two more bonus points. Houston finished second in the Western Conference, two points behind the Utah Warriors.
The Free Jacks edged Chicago 21-20 in the Eastern Final, while Houston upset Utah 33-19 in the Western championship. The league's title game was played in Rhode Island, almost a home game for the Free Jacks and their fans.
"It was only a 45-minute bus ride for us, so essentially a home game," said Olson. "It was easy travel for our fans, who travel regardless where we go. It was pretty cool to play the final in Rhode Island."
And it was also nice to celebrate a third straight title.
"It's pretty cool as this is a special group to do it with," said Olson. "Even though I didn't play, I still feel a part of it with the environment we have. We have a great core group of guys and coaches, and it was pretty special to watch and be part of it.
"Boston is the City of Champions (Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) so be able to add to that legacy is pretty special."
Olson appeared in nine games with New England, playing 480 minutes and scoring his second career try. He had two pass interceptions and 55 tackles.
The Clarence Fulton Secondary School grad has one year remaining on his contract with New England.
